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DJ Of The Week: Nicky Romero (Interview)

This week’s DJ Of The Week happens to be one of our favorite artists in the Elite Daily office, rising superstar Nicky Romero.

Born January 6th, 1989, Nicky Romero has been rising to electric dance music (EDM) superstardom. Hailed by David Guetta as the breakthrough DJ of 2011, Romero has had a string of successes following the release of his hit single “My Friend.” This success was accompanied by overwhelming support from some of the world’s top DJs.

Nicky Romero’s productions have been featured at festivals and clubs in sets that have included DJs like Tiesto, Fedde Le Grand, David Guetta and Sander Van Doorn. Nicky Romero is one of the hottest, most sought after producers and remixers around right now. He has made remixes for Green Velvet, Tiesto, Flo-Rida and David Guetta.

The young Dutchman is on the path to becoming one of the biggest DJs on the EDM scene. I last caught up with Nicky Romero during Miami Music Week at Mansion and was blown away by his set. Since Miami Music Week, the artist has been touring France with EDM megastar David Guetta and is poised to release his Essential Mix with BBC Radio 1 this Saturday, April 28t. Towards the tail end of his busy tour schedule I was able to get in contact with Nicky for an interview.

Steve: Tell me a bit about how you got started in DJing?

Nicky Romero: Well, I used to work in a local bar, collecting empty glasses, cleaning and working the coat check. I was always very interested in music and looked up to that guy in the booth playing tracks and making everyone happy by playing killer tunes. I wanted that and discovered I had a passion for making music as much as I did listening to it.

Steve: We caught your set down in Miami at Mansion. It was insane! In fact, I was so impressed that I had to get you as our DJ of the Week! I did a review of that evening and I was wondering if you could give us insight about the experience from your perspective?

Nicky Romero: It was an honor playing alongside Calvin Harris, that said first, as I am a big fan of what he does! That night was amazing! Playing in a fully refurbished Mansion filled to the max was an experience on its own. I loved it; the crowd was awesome. I hung out with my whole crew after I played so it was very good.

Steve: Was this year your first experience at Ultra?

Nicky Romero: No, it wasn’t. Last year I played in a small area, but this year took the cake. I have never seen a crowd go off the way it did at Ultra. I want to say much much love for everyone that came out and supported me, you guys absolutely rock! I think we had an awesome time and the party was on! Ultra is just insanity. I had such a good time, I can’t reiterate it enough!

Steve: What was your favorite part of your Miami Music Week experience?

Nicky Romero: I loved the whole experience, actually. Every gig was special in its own way. Take the movie premier of “Can You Feel It” at Ultra, for example. I was asked to play there at the last minute, and even that went off like nothing else. And that is just to name one!

Steve: Congratulations on signing to David Guetta’s record label! How did you first get started working with Guetta?

Nicky Romero: Well it was a combination of having the eyes of the world on me and some handy work by my management. I started off doing a few remixes for David and after that we got talking a bit more and he offered me the deal we have in place at the moment. I’m very happy with that, the man is an inspiration and a walking legend!

Steve: We just heard your new release “Tension” to commemorate 100,000followers. What was the inspiration behind that track?

Nicky Romero: Well, I take inspiration from any and all types of music, so there’s not one particular bit of inspiration there to be honest. I hope the people like it.

Steve: Considering that you haven’t been in EDM that long, you’ve had a pretty rapid ascent to mainstream success. I’ve heard your songs in the sets of some of the best artists, like Tiesto, Fedde Le Grand, David Guetta and Sander Van Doorn. How does it feel to have attained success so quickly? Are you surprised at all?

Nicky Romero: Well, I think I still have a long way to go, first and foremost! Sometimes I have to pinch myself to acknowledge the fact the people do come up to me in the street now to take a picture with me or to ask for my autograph. So in that way it is very surprising. It is a trip having fans all of a sudden. I am thankful and feel blessed everyday with such big support across the globe and being able to do what I love.

Steve: Who are some of the DJs with the most influence on your music?

Nicky Romero: A better question would be “Who does not?” But I could not answer that one easily either. I think every artist is unique in his or her own way, so I take a bit from every experience I have, I think. But people that have helped me along the way and who I look up to would definitely be Fedde le Grand, Tiesto, David Guetta, Axwell, Calvin Harris, Skrillex just to name a few, but there are many more!

Steve: I heard about your tour with David Guetta, which should be wrapping up soon. How was the experience of touring with the world’s #1 DJ?

Nicky Romero: Wicked! We just did 5 shows with an attendance of over 15k each. To be able to have done this was awesome! David and his crew have this on lockdown. I’d tour the moon with him if we could!

Steve: What has been your favorite gig of all time?

Nicky Romero: Well the gigs with David made a lasting impression to say the least, so they are all in the top 5. But I would say EDC mainstage last year and Ultra this year were beyond reproach!

Steve: What are your plans for the rest of 2012?

Nicky Romero: I am starting my own record label, my own radio show, and will be making loads of new tunes. I have a few collabs lined up that are going to be amazing! I’m also working on my own label night and party.

Editor

Preston Waters is a thinker. He's not your traditional philosophical persona, however, as he leaves no topic untouched. Covering all the bases, from business to women, Preston Waters is the ultimate man's man for Gen-Y.

Preston Waters is a thinker. He's not your traditional philosophical persona, however, as he leaves no topic untouched. Covering all the bases, from business to women, Preston Waters is the ultimate man's man for Gen-Y.